Rose Bowl Expert Pick – #8 OSU Buckeyes vs. #9 Oregon Ducks

The Rose Bowl will not feature the USC Trojans for once, but instead Ohio State and Oregon will take the stage in Pasadena. To say that this is the most exciting matchup of the is an understatement. This game is a hotly contested matchup between one of the best teams in the country, and one of the premier players at the quarterback position and betting investors are scrounging for details on how to play this difficult matchup. Who’s your college bowl betting pick?

Those of you who’ve been around for the last few college bowl betting seasons know that Jim “The Sweater Vest” Tressel hasn’t exactly been a winner in January. Clashing with a team that boasts a strong, emerging force at quarterback in the form of Jeremiah Masoli, and a formidable tandem of running backs will give the OSU defense fits. The big boys from the Big Ten are thankfully fifth in the nation with just 12.2 points scored against on average, but Oregon’s potent offensive attack ranks 7 th in the country with 37.7 points per game.

The Ducks have been embattled with problems on the field and off of it, but have ripped off a 10-1 SU record in their last 11 games. In that stretch they’ve gone 7-3 ATS in 10 games which is a large reason that they’re favored. The fact that OSU is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games and coming off a five game winning streak make this an insanely tough betting free pick for even a college bowl expert to figure out.

Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2) vs. Oregon Ducks (10-2)

Friday, January 1 st — Rose Bowl, Pasadena — 5:00pm EST

NFL Betting Line: Oregon -4 (50.5)

Of course, those backing the Buckeyes will be focused on the continuing evolution of Terrelle Pryor who had 1,828 yards and 16 touchdowns in a running-heavy offense. While Masoli, James and Blount are a three-pronged attack that suggest balance, Pryor is a one man army. Pryor led the Buckeyes with 142 carries for 707 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. Those numbers tell you exactly why Pryor was the most sought after high school prospect before he chose The Sweater Vest as his mentor at the college level.

Pryor will be the main focus of this game and he’ll be able to find openings against an Oregon defense that allowed 23.6 points per game in the Pac-10. With 202.8 rush yards and 236.1 pass yards allowed. It won’t be an easy matchup as Oregon stands as a speedy and cutthroat defense; precisely the reason that Oregon lost to Stanford and Boise State. They simply overreach themselves.

I feel like I’m shooting myself in the face, but I’ve already committed to the Buckeyes with my own wallet because I have that much faith in Pryor. In the last two games he has not had to do too much to earn OSU victories, and the multi-talented weapon at Tressel’s disposal will be very well rested heading in to this matchup.

A barnburner will be waiting for you right before your New Year’s Day dinner, and you should’ve been able to shake off your New Year’s hangover by 5pm. I’ve backed the OSU Buckeyes because I have faith in Pryor and I love the Buckeyes getting a four-point cushion. That’s enough for me to take the underdogs in spite of the history of the Buckeyes in bowl games. It’s a new era for Buckeye ball and it starts with a win over Oregon.

Furious Free Pick: OSU +4 (OVER)